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May 5, 1996 · Gillespie Challenger 2 Challenger · N1591G

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Gillespie Challenger 2 Challenger
Tail Number
N1591G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA069

The pilot was in cruise flight on a personal flight when he noted a rise in the rear cylinder head temperature of the number two (rear) cylinder. He adjusted the mixture screw and watched the temperature continue to rise. During a precautionary landing, the engine stopped producing power, and the pilot was forced to land the airplane on a road. Subsequent examination showed that the piston in the rear cylinder would not move. Examination of the mixture screws showed that the mixture screw controlling the rear cylinder was in the lean position. The direction on rotation for leaning or enriching the mixture was not marked on the mixture screws.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to properly use the mixture control to enrich the fuel mixture, and the seizure of the piston in the cylinder.

Full Narrative

On May 5, 1996, at 0930 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Challenger 2, experimental airplane, N1591G, registered to and operated by the pilot, experienced an engine stoppage and subsequent forced landing near Talkeetna, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Talkeetna and the destination was Birchwood, Alaska. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. During a telephone conversation with the pilot on May 5, 1996, he stated that during cruise flight he noticed a rise in the rear cylinder head temperature of the two cylinder, two cycle engine. He adjusted the individual mixture screw and watched the cylinder head temperature continue to rise. He selected the Talkeetna Spur Road as a precautionary landing area. As he was aligning the airplane for a landing, the engine stopped producing power and he was forced to land on the road. During the landing roll on the roadway, a truck was approaching from the opposite direction. The pilot stated the truck was not slowing down so he guided the airplane as far to the right side of the road as possible. The right main landing gear rolled into soft sand and the airplane veered off the roadway into cut alder bushes. The right main and nose landing gear separated from the airplane. Subsequent examination of the airplane showed that each cylinder had an individual mixture screw which consisted of a long shaft mounted overhead in the cockpit. Examination of the mixture screws showed that the number two cylinder mixture screw was turned to a lean mixture setting. Examination of the number two cylinder showed that the piston had seized moving in the cylinder. The mixture screw shafts were labeled according to their corresponding cylinders. However, the direction needed to turn the mixture shaft to enrich or lean the mixture was not marked.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGillespie Challenger 2 Challenger
Tail NumberN1591G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHirth · 2706 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data